Psalm 34 is a song David sang after God rescued him from trouble. David knew what it felt like to be scared and sad. In verse 18 he says, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted."
Close means near. Not far away. Not busy somewhere else. When your heart feels like it is breaking, God comes near.
David did not say God makes every sad thing unhappen. Lucas was still going to move. But God stayed close to Mateo while he cried. And God gave Mateo a father who sat on the floor and did not rush him.
God is close to you too. He does not tell you to stop crying. He comes near.
If you feel sad today, tell God about it. Use your own words. Then ask a grown-up for a hug. God often comforts us through people who love us.
🌑When I Feel Sad
God Is Close When You Cry
When your heart is sad, God comes near to you.
October 13, 20262 min readNIV
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
— Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
David's psalm of deliverance
Today's Story
✍️Fictitious Story
Mateo and Lucas raced their toy buses along the curb by the void deck. Mateo pushed his blue bus. Lucas pushed his red one.
"Next month we move," Lucas said. "Mum says a new flat, far away."
Mateo's hand stopped. He did not say anything. He picked up his blue bus and walked home.
At dinner he ate three spoonfuls of rice and pushed the rest around his plate. His shoelace came undone under the table. He left it.
That night he cried into his pillow. His father came in and sat on the floor beside the bed. He did not ask why. Mateo said, "Lucas is going away." His father stayed there until Mateo's crying stopped.
Reflection
Think About It
• When did you feel sad this week, and who did you tell about it? • How can you remember that God is near when your heart hurts?
Prayer
God, You are close to the sad. God, You are close to the sad. When my heart hurts and I cry, You are near me. I believe it. Help me tell You how I feel. Help me ask a grown-up for a hug. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Live It Out
If you feel sad today, tell God and ask a grown-up for a hug.